Bafana’s AFCON Rivals In Crisis Ahead Of Opener

Zimbabwe (Photo by Philip Maeta/Gallo Images)

One of Bafana Bafana group stage rivals have found themselves in big spot of bother ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The tournament gets underway on 21 December in Morocco, but FIFA have thrown a spanner in the works for nations participating.

FIFA have allowed clubs to hold on to their players until 15 December, a week before the tournament gets underway, although a number of teams are set to start training camp this week.

Read: Zim Star Breaks Silence After ‘Surprise’ AFCON Omission

Zimbabwe is one nation who have expressed their disapproval as it will affect their preparations, with a number of key players still in Europe.

“CAF and FIFA have jointly revised the mandatory player-release date for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, confirming that all clubs must release their players on or before 15 December 2025. This represents a shift from the previously agreed 8 December release date and has important implications for all participating nations as they prepare for the tournament in Morocco,” read part of the statement from ZIFA.

“For Zimbabwe, the adjustment delivers a significant logistical and technical setback. ZIFA had planned a high-level pre-tournament camp near Morocco to assemble the entire Warriors squad, including the foreign-based group, on time. This early gathering was central to the technical team’s strategy, ensuring the squad benefited from essential tactical work, conditioning sessions, and early acclimatisation in the North African environment.”

“The delayed availability of key players compresses Zimbabwe’s build-up window and disrupts the intended sequencing of training, friendly matches, and travel arrangements. As a result, the Warriors’ pre-AFCON structure must now be recalibrated under tighter timelines…

“Despite this disruption, ZIFA remains focused and adaptive. The Association is actively reviewing the preparation framework to ensure the Warriors maintain a competitive trajectory heading into AFCON 2025. Further updates will be communicated once the revised training and travel arrangements are finalised.”

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